Trove Thursday offers a rare third retelling of the saga of the ill-fated courtesan: Auber’s Manon Lescaut starring Mariella Devia.

For those suffering Prévost-privation awaiting the final installment of the Met’s Double-Manon season, Trove Thursday offers a lifeline: a rare third retelling of the saga of the ill-fated courtesan: Auber’s Manon Lescaut starring Mariella Devia.

The wonderfully named Daniel François Esprit Auber composed nearly 50 works for the stage. Although the names of some may be familiar—Fra Diavolo, Le Domino noir, Le Cheval de Bronze or the influential La Muette de Portici (which is a true opéra while most of the rest of his works are comiques)—few probably know their music. One might expect that when something by the composer is performed these days it would be in France but Operabase lists just 3 Auber productions in 2020 all in Germany.

Muette from 1828 has been called the first French grand opera, but Manon also can claim historical significance as it was the very first work performed at the Opéra-Comique with an unhappy ending. This Manon’s death in Louisiana paved the way for Bizet’s Carmen which would follow nearly twenty years later.

Auber’s setting of the Prévost novel to a libretto by Eugène Scribe preceded Massenet’s opera by 28 years. Although Lisette Oropesa and Michael Fabiano only made it to Le Havre, as of now, Sonya Yoncheva and Marcelo Alvarez are still set to arrive in New Orleans via Puccini’s Manon Lescaut (which came 9 years after Massenet’s opera) beginning in late April at the Met.

New York Opera Alliance (NYOA) proudly presents the 2020 New York Virtual Opera Fest. The festival showcases the breadth and diversity of opera in NYC, and many events are free. All events are produced by participant companies of NYOA in partnership with OPERA America. Read more.

New York Opera Alliance (NYOA) proudly presents the 2020 New York Virtual Opera Fest. The festival showcases the breadth and diversity of opera in NYC, and many events are free. All events are produced by participant companies of NYOA in partnership with OPERA America. Read more.

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Beth Morrison Projects is keeping the work of our artists out in the world by offering an “Opera of the Week” which will stream on our homepage, for one week every Thursday at noon. Ellen West, a new work from Ricky Ian Gordon and Frank Bidart, features extraordinary performances by Jennifer Zetlan and Met Opera favorite Nathan Gunn. Learn more.

Beth Morrison Projects is keeping the work of our artists out in the world by offering an “Opera of the Week” which will stream on our homepage, for one week every Thursday at noon. Ellen West, a new work from Ricky Ian Gordon and Frank Bidart, features extraordinary performances by Jennifer Zetlan and Met Opera favorite Nathan Gunn. Learn more.

EXTENDED THROUGH JUNE 6! Through the eyes of opera’s most thrilling anti-heroine, Lady M is a nightmare-fantasia of Verdi’s Macbeth, featuring six powerhouse singers, six astonishing instrumentalists, and electrifying electronic sound design. Heartbeat Opera brings you Virtual Soirées via Zoom (each 45 minutes) to experience a live performance and sneak peeks into our process. Tickets on sale now.

EXTENDED THROUGH JUNE 6! Through the eyes of opera’s most thrilling anti-heroine, Lady M is a nightmare-fantasia of Verdi’s Macbeth, featuring six powerhouse singers, six astonishing instrumentalists, and electrifying electronic sound design. Heartbeat Opera brings you Virtual Soirées via Zoom (each 45 minutes) to experience a live performance and sneak peeks into our process. Tickets on sale now.

Need an uplift? Every Friday Angel Blue broadcasts a fun chat with a special guest to help people ‘keep the faith’, believe in themselves, and support each other through tough times. Tune in to Angel’s Facebook page for Faithful Friday with Angel Blue. Every Friday at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Need an uplift? Every Friday Angel Blue broadcasts a fun chat with a special guest to help people ‘keep the faith’, believe in themselves, and support each other through tough times. Tune in to Angel’s Facebook page for Faithful Friday with Angel Blue. Every Friday at 12:00 p.m. ET.